Stories from 2009
Northern Ireland’s science education ‘artery’ assessed
Institute of Physics News
2 October 2009
Northern Ireland’s Assembly and regional businesses needs to work together to revitalise the Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM)’s education ‘artery’ to ensure the future economic prosperity of the region, says a new report commissioned by the Department for Education and the Department for Employment and Learning.
The Report of the STEM Review makes a wide range of profound recommendations that, if implemented, will put Northern Ireland on a path towards a society well-equipped with people qualified in STEM subjects, ready to face the economic and environmental challenges of the Twenty First Century.
From integrating businesses into the education mix, thereby opening students’ eyes to the future avenues a good grounding in science can lead down, to greater professional development opportunities for teachers, and appointing a Chief STEM Advisor, the Review seeks to cleanse and strengthen the STEM ‘artery’ and help the region catch up with education partners in England and Ireland.
Sheila Gilheany, the Institute of Physics (IOP)’s Regional Officer in Northern Ireland, said, “This is a very well-informed review that lays down a gauntlet of challenges to our ministers. It’s crucial that we get STEM education right in Northern Ireland to ensure the future prosperity of the region.”
Notes to Editors
Contact
1. For further information contact IOP’s Senior Press Officer, Joe Winters on 020 7470 4815 or, out of hours, 07946 321473, or email joseph.winters@iop.org.
Report of the STEM Review
2. For a full copy of the report commissioned by Northern Ireland’s Department for Education and the Department for Employment and Learning, go to http://www.delni.gov.uk/index/publications/pubs-successthroughskills/stem-review-09.htm.
The Institute of Physics
3. The Institute of Physics is a scientific charity devoted to increasing the practice, understanding and application of physics. It has a worldwide membership of more than 36 000 and is a leading communicator of physics-related science to all audiences, from specialists through to government and the general public. Its publishing company, IOP Publishing, is a world leader in scientific publishing and the electronic dissemination of physics. Go to http://www.iop.org/.
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